Hotel bookings up for Advantage’s international network

Advantage’s Worldwide Independent Network (WIN) has seen a 35% increase in room night bookings on GDS in the first three months of the year compared to last year.

Revenues for the sales were up 44% in the first quarter year-on-year, taken from several TMCs in more than 40 countries.

During 2013 WIN sold 2.2 million room nights, up 27% year-on-year, with revenue up 14%.

“Our excellent performance in 2013 and into 2014 is an indication of the increasing importance placed on hotels by our TMC members and improving rates we have been able to negotiate on their behalf,” said CEO Neil Armorgie. “So far, each month of 2014 has seen our year-over-year global corporate booking volume increase over the same month in the previous year.  This is fed by increased hotel conversion by our member TMCs and indicates corporate accounts have a willingness to invest in profit-producing travel.”

Every city in the top 30 saw double-digit growth in room nights from Houston at 15% to Belfast seeing an 83% boost, while London saw the average daily rate increase 10% with room night volume up 44%.

The highest average daily rate was recoded for Miami Beach at nearly US$500 a night while the average was at more than $300.

“Occupancy recovery in 2013 is leading to higher rates in 2014.  Strong tourism figures driven by North America, China (relaxed visa restrictions) and Europe will see hotels enjoying increased occupancy which will in turn drive rates higher.  Under development in the USA is leading to increased prices,” explained Armogie. “Asia continues to see supply outstrip demand which will keep price growth behind the average elsewhere in the world. Countries who performed poorly economically from 2010-13 (e.g. Greece, Spain, Portugal and Ireland), are seeing improved occupancy which will be followed by improving rates.”

He said hotels are starting to ‘talk up’ the market for 2015 and are expecting a rise in corporate rates next year.